Durban, South Africa Landlords in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province could face arrest if they knowingly rent properties to undocumented foreign nationals, as authorities intensify efforts to curb illegal immigration amid rising anti-immigrant tensions.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli issued the warning during a crime fighting community meeting in Mzingazi, northern KZN saying that landlords must take responsibility for verifying the immigration status of tenants and avoid providing accommodation to people who are in the country illegally. The warning comes as South Africa grapples with a renewed wave of anti-immigrant protests, with community groups blaming undocumented migrants for crime, unemployment and pressure on public services. Although many of those claims remain disputed, the demonstrations have fueled growing fears among foreign nationals living in the country.
Ntuli said authorities would not tolerate property owners who knowingly shelter undocumented migrants, particularly if such premises become safe havens for criminal activities. Traditional leaders at the meeting argued that some rental properties make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace suspects because landlords fail to keep proper records of occupants.
However, South African police have also warned the public against misinformation circulating online. The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently debunked fake notices claiming landlords would automatically receive fines of R10,000 for renting to undocumented migrants, clarifying that those notices were fraudulent.
The warning follows weeks of nationwide anti-immigration demonstrations organized by groups demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws. While many protests remained peaceful, some turned violent, forcing thousands of migrants to flee their homes and prompting authorities to deploy additional security forces and more than 900 people were arrested during the unrest, according to police.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns over illegal immigration but condemned violence and vigilantism while also urging South Africans to allow law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws instead of taking matters into their own hands.
Human rights organisations have meanwhile warned that the crackdown risks fueling xenophobia and could expose even legally documented migrants to harassment and intimidation. They have called on authorities to enforce immigration laws while protecting the rights and safety of all residents.
